Another first round draft pick gone without making a contribution. Kenny Baugh got traded to the Padres for 22 year old right hander Ricky Steik. Baugh missed most of 2002 and 2003 after labrum surgery but he helped lead the Toledo Mudhens to the International League championship last year.

The deal was mostly done to clear a roster spot for Kenny Rogers. Not much on Steik, but he only struck out 53 in 60 innings of work at the Padres A affiliate, Fort Wayne. Not bad for a guy who will turn 22 next year, but nothing too special either.

I wondered why (other than a need to fill out starts at Toledo) the Tigers braintrust never tried Baugh in the bullpen. I’ll be curious to see if the Pads convert him to middle relief, even if he goes down to AAA for the year to make the adjustment.